1:22pm Thursday 26th August 2010
By Sports Desk
Harden’s hopes of Aire-Wharfe League promotion hinge on winning their last three games and getting a little help from their friends.
Having been in the Division Two promotion spots all season until early July, Harden have slipped to third and go into Saturday's game against fourth-placed Olicanian ten points behind second-placed Follifoot, who are four behind Bilton.
Olicanian took two points when the sides met earlier in the season, and Harden can’t afford for that to happen this time.
They will also be keeping an eye on what is happening elsewhere, and hoping Steeton can pull off a win at Bilton and that Tong Park Esholt have one of their big-hitting days at Follifoot.
At the other end of the table, Calverley can all but mathematically secure their survival if they beat bottom-two side Illingworth, who are six points behind them and, after two wins in their last three matches, they will be confident.
Meanwhile Silsden, level on points with Illingworth, will be desperate to emulate Calverley’s feat last week of beating Knaresborough.
Bolton Villas still need to pick up as many points as they can to be absolutely sure of staying up but could find it tough against Upper Wharfedale.
Division One leaders Burley need 12 more points from their last three games, starting at Thackley on Saturday, to win the title. That will be reduced if third-placed Green Lane can take any points off Beckwithshaw.
Relegation-threatened Rawdon would normally fancy their chances of beating North Leeds but while their own form has slumped, the bottom side produced a shock first win last week.
Otley can reinforce their fourth place if they beat inconsistent Guiseley.
The dogfight for promotion from Division Three could take another twist on Saturday because the chasing pair of Ilkley and Menston, who are locked on 85 points, have much easier games than Ben Rhydding, the side five points above them.
Menston entertain Alwoodley, who have only picked up one point in play all season, while Ilkley are at second-from-bottom Hall Park.
The leaders, however, are at Woodhouse who have won eight of their last 11 matches, including knocking Ilkley off top spot last week.
Addingham entertain New Rover, while Skipton host Horsforth.
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